London Calling

by Karen Booth

  “I need you closer,” he said, slipping a hand beneath her lower back. Her breasts crushed hard against his chest. Her firm nipples rasped against him, sending electrical pulses straight to his cock.

  He could feel her quivering, tensing as she increased their pace. His mouth found hers, their tongues melting together, unspeakably sweet. The pressure inside him was becoming unbearable. His balls drew up tight as he felt the cum rising up the length of his cock. Jenna gave way first, crying out against his lips, her body turning molten as she pulsated around him. With two final thrusts, Tim let the pleasure overtake him. It tore through his chest with a rumbling growl as he throbbed inside her.

  They lay alongside each other, breathing hard. Tim stroked her hair back, off her face. “You’re so beautiful.”

  “I love you.” Her voice shook.

  He wrapped his arm more firmly around her, pulling her snug against him. “I love you. I didn’t realize how much until I thought I’d lost you. I couldn’t stand being away from you another moment.” He brushed his nose against hers. “I’m so sorry I left the way I did.”

  Jenna shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. I was being selfish. All I could think about was that you were leaving me. It didn’t occur to me that you would come back.”

  “Are you glad I did?” His heart was still beating double time.

  “I’ve never been happier.” She ran her fingers along the side of his face and he relaxed against them.

  “Good.” He kissed her again, feeling the last of the tension drain from his body. His stomach grumbled loudly.

  Jenna giggled, her soft curves vibrating against him. “You hungry?”

  “Starving. I haven’t eaten since airplane peanuts.”

  Jenna’s brow furrowed. “I don’t think I have any food in the house. I’ve pretty much been living on ice cream lately and I ate the last of that this afternoon.” Her lips tugged into a smile. “Wait, I do have one thing.” She scrambled to the edge of the bed, leaning down toward the floor, her curvaceous bum temptingly raised making him forget how hungry he was. “Here.” She tossed something onto the bed before sprawling alongside him, eyes twinkling.

  He looked down and laughed out loud. “Pretzel M&M’s. You really are the perfect woman.”

  Tim picked up the bag of candy with an enticing flash of his now-green eyes. Having him back made it seem as if he’d never left, as if it had all been a bad dream. He scooted back and leaned against the headboard, his long body on display before her. He tore the corner from the bag and popped several pieces into his mouth. “Why do these taste better naked?”

  The heat rose in her cheeks but quickly spread throughout her entire body, leaving her with an indescribable feeling of contentment. She shifted back on the pillows, snaking one of her legs over his and resting her head on his shoulder. His fingers traced up and down her arm.

  Jenna presented her open hand to him. “Are you going to share or what?”

  “You American girls can be so pushy.” He fed her a few M&M’s, rubbing his thumb along her lower lip. “I’m going to have to get used to that again.”

  Jenna’s stomach began to wobble, nervous about learning Tim’s travel plans, whether he was back for only a short while. She hoped like hell that he’d never leave again. “How long do you get to stay?”

  “Well, I’ve got my job back at One If By Land.”

  She popped up on to her elbow. “You do? That’s wonderful.”

  “It wasn’t my doing. Peter and the other bartenders started a petition. They were all hoping the beautiful girl who appeared whenever I played would start coming back.” He smiled as she blushed again. “And it looks like the job that brought me here in the first place is back on. Everybody in the band is healthy and they’re ready to head into the studio.” He handed her the bag of candy and smoothed his warm hand over her hip. “Of course, I’m going to need to find a place to stay.”

  Jenna smirked and put the M&M’s on the bedside table. “I happen to be looking for a roommate. But I need to make sure I find the right person. The last one was a nightmare.”

  “I see.” His eyes narrowed and he tenderly brushed the underside of her breast with his thumb. “Well, I’m an excellent dishwasher and I always pick up my socks. I also have a very strict one person per toothbrush rule. I’m thinking of taking an interpretive dance class, but you won’t mind if I practice in the living room, will you?”

  She giggled. “It depends. Will you be dancing in the nude?”

  He raised his eyebrows at her. “Would that make you happy? Because that’s the only thing I care about right now.”

  “It would definitely be entertaining.” She rubbed her nose against his. “I don’t know, though. I was considering turning the other bedroom into a jewelry studio.”

  “Oh, no. Wherever would I sleep?” He kissed her neck and collarbone, making her head swim.

  “I suppose I could let you sleep with me.” She dug her hand into his thick hair. “You would need to grant me certain favors from time to time.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  She kissed him. “I think I found my new roommate.” She thrilled at the thought of them together all the time, but then she remembered this still wasn’t permanent. “What happens when your jobs are over?”

  He pulled her closer. “We need to talk about that. I don’t want to be apart from you, but my family is definitely a consideration.”

  “Okay,” she said, holding her breath. What does that mean?

  “I was hoping you’d come to England with me at Christmas for a few weeks. Meet my whole family and Gavin. He and Phillip will have the baby by then.”

  The idea of making plans with Tim made her insides flutter with excitement. “That sounds great.” Jenna had spent the last eight Christmases with Natalie. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d enjoyed a real family holiday. “But what if they don’t like me?”

  “Are you kidding? Gavin’s ready to trade me in so you can be his new best friend. And now that Janey’s doing better, I know that you two will get along like old chums. You’ll love Lucy, she’s so sweet. And my mum, well, she’ll probably tie you to a chair to make sure you stay. She’s very anxious to meet you.”

  “So you want me to move to London?”

  “That would be brilliant, but I don’t want you to have to give up your life in New York or what you’ve already got going with your business.”

  “The boutique has one location in London and another in Madrid. I can make jewelry anywhere.” Her mind raced at the thought of the possibilities and what their life would be like together.

  “I just know I don’t want to lose you.” He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “I think we have to find the right thing for us, New York or London. As long as we’re together, I don’t care if we live in a box under a bridge.”

  A tear rolled down her cheek. He really loves me. The weight of the last two weeks was gone. All she could see was the future, details to be determined, but with Tim. That was all that mattered. “I don’t ever want to feel the way I did when you left. I don’t think I could live through that again.”

  He smiled and returned to her neck, dotting her skin with kisses. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

  Jenna’s heart felt full. She grinned and rocked her hip against his. “You know, I never imagined myself living in London. Do you think I’d be able to adapt?”

  “You’ll get on just fine.” His lips grazed hers as his fingers trailed along her breast. “We have everything you could ever want. Chocolate. Kitchen tables. Unlimited condoms.” He rolled her to her back, reaching for one of the packets he’d tossed to the floor earlier. He pressed it into her hand and kissed her deeply, sending electricity coursing through her body.

  “Ah,” she said, relaxing into his embrace. “Everything I ever wanted.”

  Epilogue

  Six months later, London

  Tim gra
bbed a handful of chips off Gavin's plate as he slipped into the booth opposite him.

  Gavin smacked his hand. “Get your own."”

  Laughing, Tim dipped one in the tiny cup of malt vinegar alongside Gavin's plate. “Sorry, Dad.”

  Gavin shook his head. “I swear I don't know how Jenna puts up with you.”

  Tim waggled his eyebrows.

  “Oh please.” Gavin rolled his eyes. “Not while I'm eating.”

  Tim snagged another chip. "How's Phillip doing? Finally over the flu?"

  “Yes, thank God. The three of us have taken turns being sick for weeks. I almost forgot what it was like to have a meal out.”

  “That's pretty bad for someone who works at a restaurant.”

  “It doesn't count as having a meal out when you're the one cooking. Did you come out tonight to give me a hard time?”

  Tim chuckled as he signaled the waiter for a pint. “No, that's just one of the side benefits.”

  “How's Jenna doing? I haven't seen her since before we caught the plague. Did her show in Milan go well?”

  “It did.” Tim couldn't help smiling as he thought about how excited she'd been when she came home with heaps of orders for her newest bracelet designs.

  “Excellent. And look at you, the proud husband.”

  Tim started coughing and quickly grabbed the glass the waiter set before him. He took two long swallows and looked up to find Gavin shaking his head in obvious amusement.

  "”What?” Tim asked.

  “You. You realize how in love with her you are, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you realize you're a lucky bastard that she feels the same way about you?”

  “Your point?”

  “My point is that you should just marry her already.”

  Tim fidgeted and took another slug of beer trying not to let Gavin's raised eyebrow intimidate him.

  Gavin heaved a dramatic sigh. “You're practically married already, you know. Besides, Phillip and I need an excuse to get a sitter and go someplace fabulous. What better way for us to have a night on the town than dancing at your wedding?”

  “You think I should get married so you can get a date night with your husband?”

  “No, I think you should get married because Jenna is the best thing that's ever happened to you and if you muck it up when you're this close to eternal happiness I'll have to kill you. And I don't want that on my permanent record.”

  “I won't mention that you can't even kill a spider without excessive shrieking. I think I'll take my chances.”

  Gavin wagged a chip between his fingers. “Ask her. Unless you're afraid she'll say no.”

  Tim felt the color drain from his face. Could she? Say no? That was a terrifying thought. She wouldn't, would she? No. She loved him. And he had plenty of time, for sure. They hadn't even had "the talk" yet. Didn't everyone have “the talk” first?

  “What's going on in that twisted brain of yours?” Gavin narrowed his eyes to slits.

  “Nothing. Just tired. I'm gonna head home.”

  “Okay. Kiss Jenna for me.”

  “That I can definitely do.”

  Tim tossed some bills on the table and made his way out of the pub. The night air was a welcome relief, cooling and calming him as he walked the ten blocks back to his flat. He loved going home and knowing Jenna was going to be there. It was the best part of his day, every day. He paused on the sidewalk looking up at the lights in his windows. She’s the best part of my life. The nerves returned along with a case of the jitters. By the time he got into the house and hung up his jacket he was downright shaken.

  Jenna swiveled on the stool by her drafting table as she Skyped with Natalie. Seeing her, showing off her jewelry and chatting with a friend relaxed him. This is home.

  Jenna seemed to rather like the life she'd built for herself in London. She leaned back, tilting her face, begging for a kiss and he happily obliged even though Natalie was watching and slow clapping.

  “Did you eat?” Jenna asked.

  “Some chips.”

  “I got you an extra order of Kung Pao chicken and some of those sesame glazed ribs.”

  “My favorites. Thank you.” He bent and kissed her again, feeling his remaining nerves settle the minute he had contact with her. Kisses. Touches. Hugs. He couldn’t get enough of her.

  Jenna signed off and followed Tim to the family room where they munched on Chinese and mocked an old Godzilla movie on TV then cuddled on the couch sipping beer.

  A commercial came on for Jenna's favorite pricy shampoo and she bopped Tim on the head. “You need to stop using up all my conditioner.”

  “But I rather like it. It smells like you.”

  He tried to charm her with a kiss but she pulled away. “We should get you your own bottle if it means so much to you.”

  Tim shook his head. “I don’t know… I think I might still prefer yours.”

  She swatted him again and he grabbed her hand, tugging her into a hug. She melted into him, fingers fisting his shirt as she hugged him back. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “That’s why you love me.”

  Jenna snorted against his chest then let out a soft groan. “That’s unfortunately true.”

  She loves me, even when she’s annoyed with me. The thought warmed him but still sent a shivery thrill through him. Words swirled in his head with lightning speed. I want to spend my life with you. He nearly said them aloud but realized he shouldn’t blurt that out—-he needed a proper ring and the proper place and time.

  I don’t want to wait any more. I want to marry her. The realization made him hot and cold and excited and dizzy all at once. Bloody hell. Married…

  “What's up with you, Mr. Mysterious? What’s going on in the well-conditioned head of yours?” She ruffled her fingers through his hair.

  “Nothing bad, I promise.”

  “You and your secrets.”

  “They're not secrets, maybe just…plans. Speaking of which, we're going to Gavin's big re-opening, right?"

  “Of course. Has he finalized the new menu yet?”

  “I think so.”

  “You just saw him. You didn’t ask?”

  Tim shrugged. “No.”

  Jenna shook her head and laughed. “Men.”

  “What about us?” He pulled her close and kissed her, tasting red chili and her natural sweetness.

  “You’re lucky I love you.”

  “Truer words…” He kissed her again.

  Jenna smoothed her fingers through his hair with a little groan. “I still have to finish two designs tonight. I promised the gallery I’d send them over by morning.”

  Tim smiled as his mind ticked through all the things he needed to do the next day. “No worries. I'm knackered. Mind if I take a shower and head up to bed?”

  “I might have time for a quick shower… Mind if I join you?”

  “Was hoping you'd offer... Wait. You’re not doing this just to keep tabs on your conditioner, are you?”

  She gave him her cheekiest shrug and he couldn’t resist kissing her again. She giggled against his lips before wrapping her arms around him and settling into the kiss.

  Gavin was right. Things would never get better than this, with anyone. This was everything he wanted. He hoped with all his heart this was what Jenna wanted too. She’d moved to England with him, made a life with him. She seemed happy. He just had to figure out how to make it last. Forever.

  * * * * *

  Jenna swiveled back and forth in her desk chair, staring at her laptop, waiting for Natalie to return to the screen. Their daily Skype chats made Jenna feel less homesick. It was 10 a.m. back in New York so Nat was taking batches of rolls and pastries out of the oven at the café. Jenna munched on her afternoon tea snack of Jaffa Cakes and Cadbury fingers. Tea time was one of her favorite British traditions and it coincided with Nat’s best time to chat, plus it gave Jenna the opportunity to see what she was baking and feel like she was still back there with her
.

  Jenna nibbled the chocolate off the edge of a Jaffa and took a sip of tea with milk and sugar.

  “I’m coming, I’m coming…” Natalie was still off screen but Jenna could hear her rushing around.

  “TMI.”

  “Ha, ha. You won’t be laughing when you see what I just took out of the oven. A hand came into the frame, holding a dome shaped chocolate cookie.

  “Oh God.” Jenna tried to keep her mouth from watering. “Tell me you’re not making whoopie pies.”

  “I’m not making whoopie pies.” Natalie sat down in front of her laptop stirring a big silver bowl full of fluffy white frosting. “And this is definitely not whoopie pie filling.”

  “Sadist.”

  Natalie grinned. “Flattery will get you nowhere. But if you come visit I’ll make you a fresh batch.”

  Tempting. So tempting. “I can’t.”

  “Come on, Jenna. I have the whole week off next week for renovations. When was the last time I had a week off? It was before we even met, for Christ’s sake. Come to New York and we’ll hang out. You can go to some galleries and write it off or something.”

  “That’s not it. Gavin’s restaurant is having its grand re-opening next week and I promised to be there. It’s a big deal. He’s got a whole new menu and he’s changed the restaurant’s theme. He needs his friends there for support.”

  Natalie thrust her lip out in her best pout then sighed. “Fine. I understand. It’s just a shame you can’t try this.” She took a finger full of frosting and moaned as she licked it off.

  “You’re so mean.”

  “That’s why you love me.” Natalie made a kissy face then stuck out her still-white tongue.

  A buzzing sound startled Jenna. Her phone was set to different ring tones, only Tim kept his phone on vibrate. She looked around and sure enough, the newspaper on the kitchen counter was shaking. She lifted the paper just in time to see the phone skitter across the counter.

  “Shit.” She caught it before it fell to the floor. As she put it down, the message popped onto the screen. Normally she wouldn’t have looked but with the phone right there in front of her she couldn’t help it.